AU2002337898A1

AU2002337898A1 - Product conveying and accumulation system and method

Info

Publication number: AU2002337898A1
Application number: AU2002337898A
Authority: AU
Inventors: William J. Fox; Mark C. Garvey
Original assignee: Garvey Corp
Current assignee: Garvey Corp
Priority date: 2001-10-25
Filing date: 2002-10-18
Publication date: 2003-07-03
Anticipated expiration: 2022-10-18

Description

PRODUCT CONVEYING AND ACCUMULATION SYSTEM AND METHOD

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Product accumulation systems are routinely used in conjunction with conveyors for the

storage and accumulation of product which is fed from an upstream source onto conveyors. In

the normal operation of this type system, product is placed on a conveyor at the upstream

location, for instance at one operational station, and then transported to a downstream location by conveyor where the next step in the manufacture or distribution of the product is to be

accomplished.

It is not uncommon that, during this process, there may be a disruption at a downstream

location caused by a malfunction of machinery, some constraining problem, or other

circumstance which prevents downstream machine from accepting products. Continued

operation of production upstream may result in the build-up of line back pressure which could

cause a further problem in permitting the unrestricted movement of product. However, if such

a disruption is one which can be addressed relatively quickly, upstream product which normally

would be transported to the malfunctioning location, can be received and temporarily stored by

an accumulator which is integral to the system.

By employing such an accumulator, the upstream machinery can continue to operate by

moving product to the accumulator. Since product movement can continue, there is no build-up

of line pressure. Such a system also saves the substantial time and expense which would result

in having to shutdown and then restart the entire system, if no accumulator was otherwise

available.

As product is being received and retained by the accumulator, the downstream problem

can be addressed. When that part of the system resumes full operation, the products stored in

the accumulator are released to the downstream destination, with little downtime to the system. Products can also be received and stored at the accumulator in case there is an upstream disruption. In this case, accumulated products could be retained and sent downstream in order to keep the system operational while the upstream problem is being remedied.

There are several types of commonly used accumulator systems which perform the above described functions. However, these systems have significant disadvantages. One such system is an inline conveyor, which allows product to build up either in single file or en masse in front of the constraining operation. If the product is stored in single file, the amount of storage is minimal and the build-up of line pressure can be problematic for the downstream machinery, as well as the product, due to damage. If product is stored inline and en masse, the amount of storage is increased, however, the line pressure increases as well and the added requirement of

putting the product back into single file is required. This creates the possibility of lost

production due to jamming in the single filer.

A second type is offline storage. These devices store excess products at right angles to the line in mass. As product backs up on the production line, the storage device will allow

product flood out onto the planar surface, which is powered away from the line during the period of accumulation. When the stored product is called for, the planar surface reverses direction and

the stored product is loaded back onto the production line. This is almost always done in mass and therefore has the same inherent problems with line pressure and single filing requirements as inline storage devices.

A third type uses re-circulating storage. This type of storage device allows products to travel directly from the entry point to the exit point without interrupting the flow, until a need

to store product occurs. When it does, product is re-circulated by means of two planar surfaces moving in opposite directions. Product that cannot exit the storage device is allowed to recirculate onto the planar surface, moving in the direction which is opposite to the direction of discharge. This technique has been very effective in minimizing the amount of line pressure that

can build up, as well as incorporating within the device the inherent ability to single file without

a separate device to perform this function. However, due to the planar surfaces being adjacent

to each other and the requirement that the product reverse direction at either end of the storage

device, there are limitations to the size shape and speed of the product which can be stored on

such a device. Product instability limits the application of these devices. Another factor, which

limits the use of these devices is the noise and label damage generated by product-to-product

contact during the re-circulating process. Products such as larger glass containers and the like

create noise levels which are not acceptable in normal production environments.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is thus the object of the present invention to overcome the limitations and

disadvantages of prior product conveying and accumulation systems.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a product conveying and accumulation

system and method which allows products to be received, stored, and accumulated during the

production process, thereby efficiently and effectively reducing the adverse affects of

downstream and upstream disruptions, including machine malfunctions, on the output of the

production process.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a product conveying and

accumulation system and method in which products of various sizes and shapes have the ability

to re-circulate in a system, so as to minimize the build-up of line pressure.

It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a product conveying and

accumulation system and method which provides the ability to single file or feed multiple output

lanes in single file, or en masse, at speeds much faster than had previously been available, due

to the unique re-circulating capacity of the system. It is another object of the present invention to provide a product conveying and

accumulation system and method which allows product unable to be accumulated by prior

systems because of the product's physical instability, to be effectively received, stored, and

accumulated without damage to or disruption of the product's movement, thereby increasing the overall output of the entire production process.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a product conveying and

accumulation system and method which reduces the noise levels while conveying and

accumulating during the production process.

accumulation system and method which reduces product contact during product movement and

results in subsequent reduction to product damage and product labeling.

These and other objects are accomplished by the present invention which consists of a

product conveying and accumulation system for use with products of various sizes, shapes and

stability characteristics. The system comprises multiple moving conveyors, including a first

conveyor which transports product from an upstream location. This same conveyor or another

conveyor delivers product to a downstream location. An accumulator conveyor, traveling at a

substantially similar speed or a designated variable speed as the first conveyor or conveyors, is

aligned in the same plane as, is adjacent to, and may mate with the first conveyor at a

predetermined location for contiguous movement in the same direction as the first conveyor at

this predetermined location. A product guide is provided which allows for the movement of

product from the upstream to downstream locations during normal operation and directs product

to the accumulator section of the second conveyor when there is a disruption or malfunction

downstream. Any product which cannot be accepted downstream is thus accumulated in a designated area and such products are re-circulated to that area and ultimately to the downstream

location when the downstream disruption or malfunction is remedied.

Product enters the accumulator and its recirculating conveyor either in single file or in

multiple rows either aligned or nested or en masse. Product can be discharged in single file, en

masse, or in divided rows, whatever the application requires.

The conveying and accumulation system disclosed by the present invention permits

product which is inherently unstable, e.g., lightweight, but top heavy plastic containers with a

high center of gravity, to be received, accumulated, and re-circulated, without such product

tipping, falling over, and thus disrupting the accumulation and re-circulation process. The

configuration of the various conveying elements of the system maintains these products in their

upright position throughout the accumulation and re-circulation process.

Novel features which are considered as characteristic of the invention are set forth in

particular in the appended claims. The invention, itself, however, both as to its design,

construction and use, together with the additional features and advantages thereof, are best

understood upon review of the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying

drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective depiction of the product conveying and accumulation system of the

present invention.

FIG.2 is a top view of the product conveying and accumulation system of the present invention,

showing the directional movement of components in the system.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the product conveying and accumulation system of the present invention,

showing normal upstream to downstream product movement. FIG. 4 is a top view of the product conveying and accumulation system of the present invention, showing product accumulating as a result of a downstream constraint.

FIG. 5 is a close-up top view of the guide and accumulator sections of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the product conveying and accumulation system of the present invention,

showing an alternate embodiment for normal upstream to downstream product movement.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the product conveying and accumulation system of the present invention,

showing still another embodiment for normal upstream to downstream product movement.

FIG. 8 is a top view of the produce conveying and accumulation system of the present invention,

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The product conveying and accumulation system 1 of the present invention comprises

conveyor 2 which is configured to move product, such as bottles 100, from an upstream location

or station designated as 4, to a downstream location or station designated as 6. Conveyor 2

moves in the direction indicated by directional arrows 7, 9 and 11, and is set to travel at a

predetermined speed.

Conveyor/accumulator 10 consists of a conveyor 12 which may be constructed of

interlocked segments 13 which are well known in the industry. Conveyor 12 comprises

accumulator section 14, and a recirculating section 16 which extends from accumulator section

14, through turn sections 17, 19 and 21. All of these sections make up a single, continuous

conveyor path, which is completed by section 18 of conveyor 12. Section 18 is positioned

underneath and wraps down and then up to accumulator section 14. The direction of travel of

conveyor 12 is depicted by directional arrows 23, 25, 27, 29 and 31.

Both conveyor 2 and conveyor 12 are powered for linear movement by well-known drive means from a motor or other suitable power source. Conveyor 12 can be set to travel at a speed which is substantially similar to the speed of

conveyor 2, when the entire system is operational, or at a variable speed, depending on the

characteristic nature of the product and the speed at which product is being delivered from

upstream and supplied downstream. For instance, when handling inherently unstable product,

e.g. empty lightweight plastic containers, it has been found that in order to maintain such product

in their upright positions, the conveyors can be operated at identical speeds. However, optimal

performance for such product appears to be obtained by varying conveyor speeds only slightly.

For products which are heavier and thus more stable, conveyor speeds are more dependent upon

the supply of product to the accumulator system and the downstream demand.

Conveyor/accumulator 10 and its conveyor 12 are located in the same transverse plane

as conveyor 2 and conveyor 12 is aligned adjacent to conveyor 2 between locations 35 and 37.

In this configuration, conveyors 2 and 12 run adjacent to each other and move in the same

direction between locations 35 and 37. It is contemplated that conveyor 2 and

conveyor/accumulator 10 can also be mated as they move between locations 35 and 37, in a

manner which is commonly employed in the industry. Upon mating at location 35, conveyor 2

and conveyor section 12 remain aligned adjacent to each other and, during system operation,

move contiguously in the same direction while mated.

Whether mated with conveyor 12 or running adjacent to it, at location 37 conveyor 2

continues towards downstream station 6 in direction 11, while conveyor 12 travels beneath the

system in direction 25 towards accumulator section 14 and ultimately in direction 27 toward

recirculatory section 16.

Guide 40 is designed to direct product being transported on conveyor 2 to its downstream

location during normal operation and also to smoothly direct product to conveyor/accumulator

10, especially when there is a disruption and stoppage downstream. Guide 40, as shown, comprises two sections 42 and 44, defining channel 46. Section 42 is configured with a smooth

curved outer surface 48 and section 44 is configured with smooth corresponding outer surface

50. Channel 46 also is configured as a curved passage adapted to accept, maintain, and move

product smoothly down the line. Guide 40 surface configurations at all times assist in

maintaining product, such as bottles 100, even product which is inherently unstable, in their

upright positions, both when production is fully operational and conveyor 2 is carrying products

downstream through guide 40, and when product is being directed over and around surfaces 48

and 50, toward accumulator section 14 and recirculating section 16.

Inside guide rail 52 assists in receiving and maintaining product, such as bottles 100,

within accumulator section 14 in their upright positions. Inner guide rail 54, extending from

guide rail 52, maintains the inner boundaries of recirculation section 16, while guide rail 56

serves to define the outer boundaries of the recirculation section.

In normal operation, that is when there is full production without disruption or constraint,

conveyor 2 and conveyor/accumulator 10 are optimally set to run in tandem, at substantially

similar or variable speeds, depending on the need, as discussed above. As seen in FIG. 3,

product, such as bottles 100, are delivered from upstream station 4 and are moved by means of

conveyor 2 through channel 46 of guide 40 to downstream station 6. Those bottles 100 which

cannot be readily accepted by channel 46 are directed by guide surfaces 48 and 50 to

conveyor/accumulator 10 and recirculating section 16, where the bottles are recirculated and

returned to conveyor 2 for eventually transport to downstream station 6.

When there is a disruption of production downstream, continued upstream production and

transport of product would normally cause an unacceptable build-up of line pressure upstream.

As a result, when there is a disruption, such as a complete stoppage or slowdown of the

movement of product, in accordance with the present invention, the end of channel 46 is closed off, as shown in FIG. 4 at 58, but conveyor 2 continues to deliver bottles 100 from upstream

station 4. Bottles 100 are then directed by guide surfaces 48 and 50 toward recirculatory section

16 of conveyor/accumulator 10, where they continue to be transported by conveyor 12 around

the recirculating section. As more bottles 100 are fed from upstream, an increased number of

bottles are located on recirculating section 16. Additional feeding of bottles 100 from upstream

results in their being accumulated and stored within accumulator section 14, as shown in FIG.

5.

The speed at which the conveying and accumulation of the herein invention operates is

coordinated with and calibrated to the rate of upstream product feed, such that product will

accumulate sufficiently on conveyor/accumulator 10 during the time necessary to effect repairs

or otherwise remedy the downstream disruption or constraint. Since most such circumstances

can be addressed within a short period, upstream production can continue during this downtime.

After the disruption or stoppage of downstream production is addressed and remedied,

channel 46 of guide 40 is reopened, allowing the continued flow of product to downstream

station 6. As the conveyors in the system continue to operate, product located on

conveyor/accumulator 10 will eventually be directed to channel 46 and proceed downstream.

By this process, continued full production is maintained without interruption or the need to

totally shut down operation.

An alternate operational use of system 1 allows for accumulation of product on

conveyor/accumulator 10 sufficient to supply downstream station 6, should there be a disruption

or breakdown of facilities upstream. While such upstream conditions are being investigated and

addressed, product accumulated on conveyor/accumulator 10 can be feed downstream, again

keeping production flowing with no interruption or shut-down. As is common in the industry, the speed of the upstream product feed and downstream product supply are designed to be adjusted, depending on the type of product and the location

of the constraint. For optimal operation, there should always be sufficient accumulated product

in conveyor/accumulator 10, such that the upstream product feed is adjusted to equate to the

downstream flow of the product.

The unique configuration of this system, including the design, configuration, use, and

placement of the various conveyors operating in tandem and at substantially similar or variable

speeds, effectively and efficiently moves, accumulates and at all times maintains the upright

position of product, especially plastic containers, whose inherent high center of gravity causes

them to be unstable and to easily tip and fall during unguided movement. Proper operation of

the herein conveying and accumulation system will result in such product remaining upright, thus

eliminating the downtime resulting from fallen product which causes disruption and often a

stoppage of the system.

An additional benefit derived from conveying and accumulation system 1 is obtained by

a reduction of noise level and product damage during system operation. Product which is moved

on prior conveyor systems tend to contact each other, especially at turns in the conveyor.

However, as products, like bottles 100, are moved on recirculation section 16, and especially at

turns 1 , 19, and 21 , the constant speed at which conveyor 12 travels causes the outboard bottles

to become spaced apart from the inboard bottles. This reduces product contact and its resulting

noise, and also helps to eliminate product and product labeling damage caused by product to

product contact.

Two separate conveyors have been discussed herein for use in conveying and

accumulation system 1. However, it is contemplated that multiple conveyors may be used to

receive product from upstream and/or discharge downstream. For example, FIGS. 6 and 7 show the use of separate upstream and downstream conveyor configurations. In FIG. 6, upstream

product is delivered to conveyor 12 by conveyor 60 traveling in the direction designated by 61.

In FIG. 7, upstream product is delivered to conveyor 12 by conveyor 70 traveling in the direction

designated by 71. It is contemplated that other conveyor configurations also can be employed

with the conveying and accumulator system 1 of this invention, depending on facility space

configurations and restrictions and product need. For instance, multiple product input conveyors

may be used in the same system, the size of the system can be customized, etc.

In fact an advantage of conveying and accumulation system 1 is that it allows for

flexibility in the feeding and discharging of product. For instance, conveyor 80, in FIG. 8,

moving in direction 81, provides product in multiple rows 87, either aligned or in nested

configuration. Similarly, products can be discharged to the conveyor, en masse or in divided

rows 90, depending on the configuration of guide 89.

Finally, the configurations of surfaces 48 and 50 of guide 40, as shown, may optimally

be used for certain designated products. However, there may be other novel guide surface

configurations which are unique to and work best for individual products. The herein application

does not contemplate all surface configurations which may be used.

Certain novel features and components of this invention are disclosed in detail in order

to make the invention clear in at least one form thereof. However, it is to be clearly understood

that the invention as disclosed is not necessarily limited to the exact form and details as

disclosed, since it is apparent that various modifications and changes may be made without

departing from the spirit of the invention.

Claims

WE CLAIM:

1. A product conveying and accumulation system, said system comprising:

(a) first conveying means for the movement of products from an upstream

destination to a destination downstream of the system;

(b) second conveying means for receiving products from the first conveying

means, for accumulation and movement of products on and around the second conveying means

and for delivery of products to the first conveying means for movement to the downstream

destination, at least one section of the second conveying means being in substantial adjacent

alignment with at least one section of the first conveying means, both conveying means, at all

times when in adjacent alignment, moving in the same direction; and

(c) guide means for directing products on the first conveying means to the

downstream destination and for directing products for accumulation to and onto the second

conveying means.

2. The product conveying and accumulation system as in claim 1 in which the guide

means is configured to direct products for accumulation to and onto the second conveying means

when there is a stoppage or slowdown in the rate of the movement of products to the downstream

destination.

3. The product conveying and accumulation system as in claim 1 in which the first

and second conveying means are configured such that products accumulate on the second

conveying means when there is a stoppage or slowdown in the rate of the movement of products

to the downstream destination.

4. The product conveying and accumulation system as in claim 1 in which the first

conveying means when there is a stoppage or slowdown in the rate of the movement of products to the downstream destination, and when movement of products to the downstream destination

is resumed, products initially placed on the first conveying means and accumulated products are

redirected to the first conveying means for movement to the downstream destination.

5. The product conveying and accumulation system as in claim 1 in which the first

and second conveying means are positioned in substantially the same transverse plane.

6. The product conveying and accumulation system as in claim 1 in which the guide

means are configured to direct products on the first conveying means to the downstream

destination and for directing products for accumulation to and onto the second conveying means

while at all times maintaining the products in their upright positions.

7. The product conveying and accumulation system as in claim 1 in which the

second conveying means is a single, continuous path conveyor.

8. The product conveying and accumulation system as in claim 1 in which the first

conveying means comprises a single conveyor.

9. The product conveying and accumulation system as in claim 1 in which the first

conveying means comprises multiple conveyors.

10. The product conveying and accumulation system as in claim 7 in which the first

conveying means comprises a single conveyor.

11. The product conveying and accumulation system as in claim 7 in which the first

conveying means comprises multiple conveyors.

12. The product conveying and accumulation system as in claim 1 in which the first

and second conveying means move at substantially the same speeds.

13. The product conveying and accumulation system as in claim 1 in which the first

and second conveying means move at substantially similar speeds.

14. A product conveying and accumulation system, said system comprising: (a) first conveying means for the movement of products from an upstream

destination to a destination downstream of the system;

(b) second conveying means forming a continuous product path for the

accumulation of products on and around the path and for the movement of products on and

around the path to the first conveying means, said second conveying means at all times being

aligned substantially adjacent to the first conveying means for contiguous movement in the same

direction as the first conveying means at the adjacent alignment; and

(c) guide means for directing product on the first conveying means to the

downstream destination and for directing product for accumulation to and onto the second

conveying means.

15. The product conveying and accumulation system as in claim 14 in which the first

16. The product conveying and accumulation system as in claim 14 in which the first

and second conveying means are in mated engagement at the adjacent alignment.

17. The product conveying and accumulation system as in claim 14 in which the

guide means are configured to direct products on the first conveying means to the downstream

while at all times maintaining the products in their upright positions.

18. The product conveying and accumulation system as in claim 14 in which the

second conveying means is a single, continuous path conveyor.

19. The product conveying and accumulation system as in claim 14 in which the first

conveying means comprises a single conveyor.

20. The product conveying and accumulation system as in claim 14 in which the first

conveying means comprises multiple conveyors.

21. The product conveying and accumulation system as in claim 18 in which the first

conveying means comprises a single conveyor.

22. The product conveying and accumulation system as in claim 14 in which the first

conveying means comprises multiple conveyors.

23. The product conveying and accumulation system as in claim 14 in which the first

and second conveying means move at substantially the same speeds.

24. The produce conveying and accumulation system as in claim 14 in which the first

and second conveying means move at substantially similar speeds.

25. The product conveying and accumulation system as in claim 14 in which the

guide means is configured to direct products for accumulation to and onto the second conveying

means when there is a stoppage or slowdown in the rate of the movement of products to the

downstream destination.

26. The product conveying and accumulation system as in claim 14 in which the first

to the downstream destination.

27. The product conveying and accumulation system as in claim 14 in which the first

to the downstream destination, and when movement of products to the downstream destination

28. A product conveying and accumulation system, said system comprising: (a) at least one first conveyor for the movement of products from an upstream

destination to a destination downstream of the system; and

(b) a second conveyor forming a continuous product path for the accumulation

of products on and around the path and for the movement of products on and around the path to

the first conveyor, said second conveyor at all times being aligned substantially adjacent to the

first conveyor for contiguous movement in the same direction as the first conveyor at the

adjacent alignment; and

(c) a product movement guide configured to direct product onto the first

conveyor towards the downstream destination and to direct product for accumulation to and onto

the second conveyor.

29. The product conveying and accumulation system as in claim 28 in which the first

and second conveyors are positioned in substantially the same transverse plane.

30. The product conveying and accumulation system as in claim 28 in which the first

and second conveyor means are in mated engagement at the adjacent alignment.

31. The product conveying and accumulation system as in claim 28 in which the

guide means are configured to direct products on the first conveyor means to the downstream

destination and for directing products for accumulation to and onto the second conveyor means

while at all times maintaining the products in their upright positions.

32. The product conveying and accumulation system as in claim 28 in which the

second conveyor is a single, continuous path.

33. The product conveying and accumulation system as in claim 28 in which at least

one conveyor provides movement of product from an upstream destination to the second

conveyor and a separate conveyor provides movement of product from the second conveyor to

a downstream destination.

34. The product conveying and accumulation system as in claim 28 in which the first

and second conveyors move at substantially the same speeds.

35. The product conveying and accumulation system as in claim 28 in which the first

and second conveyors move at substantially similar speeds.

36. A product conveying and accumulation system, said system comprising:

(a) first conveying means traveling at a predetermined speed for the

movement of products from an upstream destination to a destination downstream of the system;

(b) a second conveying means for the movement and accumulation of

products, said second conveying means forming a single, continuous moving product path

comprising a product movement section and a designated product accumulation section, the

second conveying means moving products on and around the path to the first conveying means

and being aligned substantially adjacent to the first conveying means for contiguous movement

in the same direction as the first conveying means at the adjacent alignment; and

(c) guide means for directing products on the first conveying means to the

downstream destination and for directing products for movement and accumulation to and onto

the path and the product accumulator section of the second conveying means.

37. The product conveying and accumulation system as in claim 36 in which the

downstream destination.

38. The product conveying and accumulation system as in claim 36 in which the first

to the downstream destination.

39. The product conveying and accumulation system as in claim 36 in which the first

and second conveying means are configured such that products accumulate on the second conveying means when there is a stoppage or slowdown in the rate of the movement of products to the downstream destination, and when movement of products to the downstream destination is resumed, products initially placed on the first conveying means and accumulated products are redirected to the first conveying means for movement to the downstream destination.

40. The product conveying and accumulation system as in claim 36 in which the first and second conveying means are positioned in substantially the same transverse plane.

41. The product conveying and accumulation system as in claim 36 in which the first

and second conveying means are in mated engagement at the adjacent alignment.

42. The product conveying and accumulation system as in claim 36 in which the

guide means are configured to direct products on the first conveying means to the downstream destination and for directing products for accumulation to and onto the second conveying means while at all times maintaining the products in their upright positions.

43. The product conveying and accumulation system as in claim 36 in which the first

and second conveying means move at substantially the same speeds.

44. The product conveying and accumulation system as in claim 36 in which the first

and second conveying means move at substantially similar speeds.

45. A method of transporting and accumulating products by means of a multiple

conveyor system, said method comprising the steps of: placing products on a first conveyor system;

moving the first conveyor system at a pre-determined speed to transport the products to a designated destination; aligning a second conveyor system substantially adjacent to and contiguous with

the first conveyor system;

moving the second conveyor system at a predetermined speed in tandem with the

first conveyor system;

moving the second conveyor system in the same direction as the first conveyor

system at the adjacent alignment;

stopping the transport of products to said destination;

accumulating products on the second conveyor system by continuing the

movement of the first and second conveyor systems;

resuming the transport of products from said first and second conveyor systems

to said designated destination.

46. The method of claim 45 comprising the further step of providing a guide means

to direct the transport of products to the second conveyor system and the designated destination.

47. The method of claim 45 wherein the step of resuming the transport of products

includes transporting products placed from the first conveyor system and the second conveyor

system to the designated destination.

48. The method as in claim 45 comprising the further step of maintaining, at all

times, the products in their upright positions during all transporting and accumulation steps.

49. The method as in claim 45 comprising the further step of moving the first

conveyor and the second conveyor at substantially similar predetermined speeds.

50. The method as in claim 45 comprising the further step of moving the first

conveyor and the second conveyor at substantially the same speeds.

51. A method of transporting and accumulating products by means of multiple

conveyors, said method comprising the steps of: placing products on a first conveyor;

moving the first conveyor at a pre-determined speed and direction, to transport

the products to a designated destination;

aligning a second conveyor substantially adjacent to and contiguous with the first

conveyor;

moving the second conveyor at a predetermined speed in tandem with the first

conveyor; moving the second conveyor in the same direction as the first conveyor at the

adjacent alignment;

stopping the transport of products to said destination;

transporting the products from the first conveyor to the second conveyor;

accumulating the products on the second conveyor while maintaining the speeds

of the first and second conveyors; resuming the transport of products from said first and second conveyors to said

designated destination.

52. The method of claim 51 comprising the further step of providing a guide means

to direct the transport of products from the first to the second conveyor.

53. The method of claim 51 wherein the step of resuming the transport of products

includes transporting products placed on the first conveyor and accumulated products from the

second conveyor.

54. The method as in claim 51 comprising the further step of maintaining, at all times,

the products in their upright positions during all transporting and accumulation steps.

55. The method as in claim 51 comprising the further step of moving the first

conveyor and the second conveyor at substantially similar predetermined speeds.

56. The method as in claim 51 comprising the further step of moving the first

conveyor and the second conveyor at substantially the same speeds.